Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infections in women. The chances for developing UTI in women are as high as 50%. In India, the percentage is still higher due to poor sanitation facilities.

What are the Symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI)?

If one is having the following symptoms it may be an indication of urinary tract infection.

Frequent and strong urge to urinate

Burning sensation and pain while urinating

Cloudy or dark colored urine may have a strange odour.

Fatigue and fever with chills

What causes Urinary tract infections?

UTI is mainly caused by bacteria, anatomically the length of the urethra is lower in females which makes it more susceptible to infections. But there are other causative factors that lead to the infection like

Holding the urge to urinate

Low water intake

Poor personal and environmental hygiene

Unfortunately, in our country, the accessibility to clean washrooms is still considered as a luxury. The dirty toilets spread infections and forces women to hold urine for hours. The condition still prevails in workplaces, schools and all public places.

Doctors find that many schoolgirls and traveling ladies avoid consuming enough water due to the absence of good toilets in the school or workplace. This leads to serious health problems like dehydration, fatigue, kidney diseases etc.

Recurrent or long-lasting infections can cause permanent damage to the kidneys. The infections also increase the dependence on Antibiotics.

Access to clean restrooms cannot be considered as a luxury, especially if it creates serious health issues and lifestyle difficulties for half of the population. A clean washroom is not a luxury, it is a basic necessity.